Create An Elegant Dinner With Mushroom Pork Chops

An Easy Yet Sophisticated Meal

Looking to add a little elegance to a weeknight dinner? These mushroom pork chops deliver with their simple yet sophisticated flavor. Best of all, they come together quickly, so you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

Start With Boneless Pork Chops

For this recipe, you'll want to use boneless pork chops that are about 1 inch thick. Boneless chops cook faster than bone-in and are easier to serve. Look for chops with a nice marbling of fat, which will keep them juicy and tender as they cook.

The Best Cuts Of Pork For Chops

The most common cuts used for pork chops are the loin and rib chop. A loin chop comes from the top center section of the pig. It's very lean yet still flavorful. Rib chops are cut from the rib section and contain a bit more fat for tenderness and juiciness.

Season The Chops Simply

The key to maximizing the flavor of the pork is to start with a simple seasoning. For this recipe, you'll just need kosher salt, black pepper, and a little bit of onion powder. Sprinkle the seasoning generously over both sides of each pork chop before searing them in a hot skillet.

Always Pat The Pork Dry First

Be sure to pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Dry meat will sear better in the pan. The salt and pepper will also stick and season more evenly when sprinkled over a dry surface.

Sear The Chops In A Hot Skillet

Get your skillet very hot over medium-high heat before adding the chops. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. The sear will give you those beautiful grill marks and delicious crispy edges.

Don't Overcrowd The Pan

Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing. Cook the chops in batches if needed so they have enough room to brown properly. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead.

Simmer With Mushroom Sauce

Here's where the elegance comes in. After searing, remove the chops and make a quick and easy mushroom sauce in the skillet. Sauté chopped mushrooms in the browned bits left behind from searing the pork. Deglaze with chicken broth and simmer until thickened.

Any Variety Of Mushroom Will Work

Cremini, shiitake, oyster, or even just simple white button mushrooms would be delicious in the sauce. Pick your favorite or use a blend for maximum flavor.

Bring It All Together

Return the pork chops and any juices back to the skillet to finish cooking and absorb that fantastic mushroom sauce, about 2-3 minutes per side. Then it's ready to serve! These elegant mushroom pork chops truly are gourmet enough for a dinner party but easy enough for any night of the week.

5 FAQs About Making Mushroom Pork Chops

What sides go well with mushroom pork chops?

Mashed or roasted potatoes, egg noodles, rice pilaf, or sautéed greens would all pair nicely. A crisp green salad is always a great option too.

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?

Absolutely! Follow the same method, just adjust cooking times since chicken cooks faster than pork.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can prep all the sauce ingredients (mushrooms, broth, etc) earlier in the day, then cook it right before serving.

What wine matches well with this dish?

A medium or fuller bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or Cabernet would complement the pork and mushrooms nicely.

Should I pound the pork chops thinner?

No need. The 1 inch thickness allows them to cook up juicy and tender. Pound only if you prefer a thinner, flatter chop.